Where to Stay in Salzburg (5 Best Places & Areas, By a Local)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Salzburg

The city of Salzburg began in the Altstadt on the left bank of the Salzach River, but gradually overflowed to the Neustadt on the right bank. 

Later, new suburbs, like Nonntal and Leopoldskron–Moos in the south, and modern transport hubs, like Elisabeth-Vorstadt in the north, followed. While the Altstadt and Neustadt remain tourist magnets, Salzburg’s newer suburbs also offer slower, fulfilling experiences.

Let’s look at these five neighborhoods for visitors. 

The Altstadt (The Old Town)

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Altstadt Hotels: Hotel Schloss Mönchstein • Radisson Blu Hotel • Hotel Goldgasse • Hotel Wolf • Gästehaus im Priesterseminar

First time visiting Salzburg? Altstadt (The Old Town) introduces you to its old soul. 

The city’s historic cobblestone streets, old squares, and baroque buildings will transport you back to the Middle Ages. This area is also close to the city’s landmarks, like the Domplatz, Salzburg Cathedral, St Peter’s Monastery, Mozart’s Geburtshaus, and the Festungs Bahn that takes you up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

The best hotels in Altstadt are renovated structures with centuries of history, including luxury castle hotels like Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, and smaller boutique hotels like Hotel Goldgasse. 

My favorite hidden gem is the Gästehaus im Priesterseminar Salzburg, a seminary for the priest candidates of the Archdiocese of Salzburg. Its renovations have kept the original purpose of the building in mind, and it is wonderfully atmospheric without being overpriced.

However, the hotel that does the best job of blending together old-world charm and comfort at an affordable price is Radisson Blu Hotel.

The Altstadt is also the best part of town for local culinary experiences, too. My top recommendation is St. Peter Stiftskulinarium within St Peter’s Abbey. Other places for authentic Austrian cuisine are Zwettler’s and Pauli Stubm. But when I want to mix this up with an international flavor, I enjoy eating at the Afro Café.

There are also modern experiences to be had in this old-world setting. The StageBar combines drinks with a karaoke bar in the Altstadt. For a contemporary, diverse cocktail menu, mixed with live performances, stop by Flip.  

Pros of Staying in Altstadt:

• Old-town charm
• Close proximity to the city’s best-known sights
• Authentic Austrian ambience and cuisine

Cons of Staying in Altstadt:

• Crowded throughout the year
• Expensive restaurants and hotels
• Long waiting lines at restaurants and bars

Neustadt (New Town/Right Bank)

👉 Best Area For Families and Culture | ✨ Best Neustadt Hotels: Hotel Sacher • Hotel Bristol • Hotel Hyperion • Hotel Stein • Hotel Auersperg • YoHo Youth Hostel

The Neustadt was built after the Altstadt on the right bank between the 17th and 19th centuries. Yet its name can be misleading because the area is centuries old as well. So, while the city’s oldest landmarks may be in the Altstadt, others, like the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, are in the Neustadt.  

If you decide to stay in this part of Salzburg, you can begin or end your day with a walk through Mirabell Gardens. You can also spend time in any of its many parks, which are more abundant in this part of the city. They’re what make this area a great place to stay for families.

But the Neustadt is also a cultural hub. It is home to Mozart’s residence (Mozart Wohnhaus) and the Landestheater. Make sure to try to catch a performance here while you are visiting Salzburg. The theater hosts at least 400 performances here every year.

The Neustadt’s popular Hotel Bristol stands in the midst of these landmarks and has a great location. But my personal favorite remains Hotel Auersperg. This third-generation family-run boutique hotel offers a laidback, personalized atmosphere with a spa and terrace garden right in the heart of the city.

For culinary experiences, there are more options for blending local food with international cuisine in the Neustadt. Authentically Austrian restaurants like Maier’s, Johanneskeller, and Der Kasntner should not be missed, but the Indian restaurant Zaffran is also a top Neustadt restaurant.

When you are stepping out for drinks, I would recommend The Salzburg Whiskey Museum, a family-run pub in the Altstadt. Another legendary stop is the Sacher Café, famous for Austria’s most famous cake, Sacher Torte. But the best views of the city are to be had over a glass of beer at Steinterrasse in Hotel Stein.

Pros of Staying in Neustadt:

• Central, but less chaotic
• More open, relaxed atmosphere
• Better value for money
• Short walks to Salzburg’s main tourist attractions

Cons of Staying in Neustadt:

• Fewer iconic hotels and restaurants
• Less historic charm

Nonntal

👉 Best Area For Hikes and Great Views | ✨ Best Nonntal Hotels: Townhouse Weisses Kreuz Boutique Hotel • Jufa Hotel • Pension Katrin • Hotel Via Roma

Nonntal is the area that sprang up around the Nonnberg Abbey. While it is still close enough to the Altstadt, it is far more secluded overall. Nonntal is a quieter, local-feeling neighborhood, but it’s also the perfect place for those who want to be close to nature and the hiking paths.

The neighborhood is close to a few popular tourist sites like the Nonnberg Abbey, and is directly below the Hohensalzburg Fortress. You can catch Nonnberg Abbey’s famous nuns’ choir at dawn or take the pedestrian path and hike up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

In a neighborhood where hotels are scarce, the Townhouse Weisses Kreuz is a true gem. It’s housed in a historic 16th-century building that has been artistically and thoughtfully renovated. 

If you are looking for a less pricey option, I would recommend the Jufa Hotel. Like most hotels in Nonntal, it may not be historic, but it is a lot more spacious and relaxed than the hotels in Altstadt and Neustadt.

Nonntal’s best eateries are specialty cafés, like 220GRAD, and unique fine dining restaurants, like the Restaurant Brunnauer. 220GRAD is a café in a former motor workshop, where it now serves roasted specialty coffee in an indoor garden. Restaurant Brunnauer offers Austrian cuisine made with ingredients from the surrounding forests, lakes, and mountains. 

For drinks over spectacular views at sunset, stop at the Stiegl-Keller on your way up to the Nonnberg Abbey.

Pros of Staying in Nonntal:

• Close to the old town, but quieter
• Great access to nature
• Better value for money

Cons of Staying in Nonntal:

• Short walk to any of the tourist attractions
• Fewer late-night dining options
• Fewer hotels, restaurants, and cafes

Leopoldskron–Moos

👉 Best Area for A Sound of Music Experience | ✨ Best Leopoldskron–Moos Hotels: Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron • B&B Villa Verde • Pension Ballwein • Austria Classic Hotel Hölle

Leopoldskron–Moos is an even more remote part of Salzburg than Nonntal, and it’s the best place to stay if you are looking for a true Sound of Music experience. 

There are multiple locations where the movie was filmed in the vicinity, but none of them are as iconic and central to the film as Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron. The only way to explore the film locations in this hotel is to actually stay here. It’s a luxury hotel, so it’s certainly pricey. But it can still be a good value for money as it’s more affordable than hotels in some parts of central Salzburg.

For less pricey options, the neighborhood has some of Salzburg’s finest bread & breakfast options and small pensions (as boarding houses in Continental Europe are called), like B&B Villa Verde and Pension Ballwein. Both are in the town’s most scenic settings.

Distance-wise, Leopoldskron–Moos is also the closest residential area to Hellbrunn Palace, which also has a famous film set. The gazebo is where the song “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” was filmed!

Fine dining and local bakeries are the norm here. My top recommendations for typical Austrian cuisine in the neighborhood are das Schrei and Zum Buberlgut. For local bakeries, try Holztrattner Bäckerei Gmbh & Co.

Another unique experience is a visit to the Stiegl Brewery and its beer garden (not to be confused with Stiegl-Keller in Nonntal). At Stiegl Brewery, you can expect to be treated to a combination of a brewery tour and a relaxed beer garden experience.

Pros of Staying in Leopoldskron–Moos:

• Most scenic part of Salzburg
• Great for nature and outdoor activities
• A unique stay, especially for Sound of Music fans

Cons of Staying in Leopoldskron–Moos:

• Transport planning needed
• Fewer hotels and restaurants
• No nightlife

Elisabeth-Vorstadt

👉 Best Area For Short Stays | ✨ Best Elisabeth-Vorstadt Hotels: Design Hotel zum Hirschen • Adlerhof • Hotel Cocoon • Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre • H+ Hotel

Elisabeth-Vorstadt is close to the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, and is ideal for those making a quick stopover in Salzburg. It is also a great location for travelers planning to make short day trips into the Salzkammergut region. However, while it is close to the Hauptbahnhof, it is still within walking distance to popular attractions in both the Altstadt and the Neustadt.

Most hotels in Elisabeth-Vorstadt are modern and practical. They are no-frill options, but are also convenient and reliable. 

A notable exception to this is Design Hotel zum Hirschen, the town’s oldest family-run hotel. Set in a building dating back to 1500, it blends historic charm with contemporary design and even features a spa.

Two other standout options that combine affordability with a great location and a high-quality stay are Hotel Cocoon and Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre.

Most restaurants in the neighborhood prioritize speed and ease of use. But my top pick is the Salzburg family-run Imlauer & Braü restaurant, known for its authentic Austrian food. If you need a quick breakfast as I do before traveling, I also recommend Miss Simit FrühstücksCafé.

For drinks, go with Kowalski café & bistro. Apart from being a café that combines coffee and pastries with stunning views, it also provides meaningful work by hiring people with disabilities.

Pros of Staying in Elisabeth-Vorstadt:

• Best location for transport
• More affordable accommodation
• Still walkable to the sights

Cons of Staying in Elisabeth-Vorstadt:

• Not charming or historic
• Limited dining and nightlife
• Commute for sightseeing

Tips for Staying in Salzburg

 Go Local Always

When in Salzburg, do as the Austrians do. Especially in all matters related to food. Always go for the local option. That’s when you will truly experience Salzburg.

Go Beyond The Sound of Music and Immerse Yourself in the Culture

If, like me, your impressions of Salzburg have been shaped by The Sound of Music, you’ll want to leave that behind when you get here. Most Austrians have not seen the movie. Some have not heard of it either.

Sure, it’s a fun experience to see the film locations and take the Original Sound of Music Tour to see the iconic spots. But make sure you go beyond that and discover the real Salzburg.

Remember, when you are in Salzburg, you are in the land of Mozart. You have to immerse yourself in the culture of the city to experience it completely.

Learn Some German

Most Austrians in Salzburg speak some English. So, in most cases, you can get by without knowing German. But a little German goes a long way in truly helping you understand Austrian culture. Try to learn some key phrases before you come!

Plan Your Trip Online and Make Reservations in Advance

Many tours, performances, and tourist attractions allow you to make your reservations online, especially during the Salzburg Festival in summer. Use it to both plan your trip and get things done faster.

Also, most restaurants in Salzburg have long queues. So, it always pays to make your reservations in advance.

Use Public Transport and Walk a Lot

Public transport in Austria is surprisingly good. You can use it within Salzburg. But more importantly, you can use it to travel through the Salzkammergut region.

While in Salzburg, you should also plan to walk a lot. Salzburg is a small and compact city. So, most attractions within the city will be reachable on foot. Just make sure you bring comfortable shoes with you to avoid blisters.

Get the Salzburg Card

I highly recommend purchasing the Salzburg Card. The Salzburg Card offers you one-time free admission to all the city tourist’s attractions and museums, available for 24, 48, or 72 hours. It also gives you free travel on public transportation and attractive discounts. Use it to save money.

FAQs about Salzburg

How many days is enough for Salzburg?

You need at least five days in Salzburg for a basic experience that covers Hohensalzburg Fortress, churches and monasteries, Mozart, The Sound of Music, and other popular attractions. This itinerary does not include day trips, festivals, and other seasonal events.  

What areas of Salzburg should I avoid staying in?

There are no areas in Salzburg that are unsafe. But you should avoid areas north of the Hauptbahnhof. These usually have business parks, warehouses, and highways. Most of these are of limited interest to tourists.

What are the best parts of Salzburg to stay on a budget?

Elisabeth-Vorstadt is all about no-frills hotels and restaurants. Yet, the neighborhood also remains within walking distance from both the Altstadt and the Neustadt. This makes it a good option for budget travelers.

What are the best parts of Salzburg to stay with kids?

The Neustadt is known for its open spaces, gardens, and modern hotels. It is conveniently modern, but it is also not too far from the Altstadt. That makes it a great place to stay with kids.

What are the best parts of Salzburg for a long stay?

Neighborhoods like Nonntal are authentically local, close to nature, and also not far from the Altstadt. The pace of life is slower here, which makes it great for a long stay. 

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I hope I’ve helped you figure out where to stay in Salzburg! Where you stay depends on the kind of visitor you are, but Salzburg is walkable and well-connected by public transport, so reaching its popular tourist attractions and hidden gems is always easy. 

Leave me a comment with any questions. Otherwise, continue planning your trip with my guide to the best things to do in Salzburg!